Teen Problems and Their Symptoms

Many parents have found that children diagnosed with Bi-polar disease, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) also tend to be at risk of becoming, or have already become, troubled youth. The Heath and Wellness staff members at White River Academy's Boarding School for defiant teens have experience in dealing with children diagnosed with these and other medical disorders.



The medical doctor is responsible for monitoring all medications. This is done to insure that teens are receiving the proper dosage.



PPC Group sessions are held daily where feelings of low self-esteem and depression can be discussed. Even thoughts of suicide can be overcome during these sessions. ADD, ADHD and Bi-polar disease are often at the root of teen drug abuse and gang activity. The Health and Wellness staff will also address these issues with the children attending this boarding school for teens.



The educators involved with the academic portion of the boarding school for troubled teens have also been fully trained in dealing with children diagnosed with Bi-polar disease, ADD and ADHD. They are also experienced in dealing with teens that have been involved in gang activity and/or drug abuse.



Symptoms of ADD:

• often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities


• often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities


• often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly


• often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace ( not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)


• often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities


• often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort ( such as schoolwork or homework)


• often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)


• often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli


• often forgetful in daily activities

Symptoms of ADHD:
Hyperactivity

• often fidgets with hands and feet or squirms in seat


• often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected


• often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)


• often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly


• often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"


• often talks excessively

Impulsivity

• often blurts out answers before questions have been completed


• often has difficulty awaiting turn


• often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)

Bi-polar disease: Bi-polar disorder can send a person plunging from a high state, where one may believe one has superhuman energy and abilities, into a pit of despair.

Depressive state: The chief symptom is a sad, despairing mood, which may be accompanied by some or all of the following, depending on the severity of the illness:

• lack of energy


• sleep problems where a person may sleep too much or too little


• loss of interest in work, family and friends


• change in eating habits


• preoccupation with failures and inadequacies


• loss of self-esteem


• feelings of guilt


• excessive concern about physical complaints


• crying easily, suicidal and occasional homicidal thoughts

Manic State: A person feels total "euphoria" and strength. However, in the early stages of the illness, the person may appear to be more sociable, active, talkative, self-confident, perceptive, and creative than usual. As their mood elevates, they may experience some or all of the following:

• increased strength and energy, decreased sleep


• extreme irritability


• rapid, unpredictable emotional changes


• racing thoughts, flight of ideas


• increased interest in activities, overspending


• grandiosity, inflated self-esteem


• poor judgment

If your child shows four or more of these symptoms for an extended period of time please consult a physician.